There are many second chance stories in progress. Some people
have just realized that they have received a second chance. Others are
in the middle of doing something productive with them. Some have had
success and are finding ways to give back. All are inspiring and motivating in their
own ways.
Faces of survivors: Noy, Sarri Singer, and Stav
Terrorism survivor survives by helping other survivors
Moved by the tragedy of 911, Sarri Singer moved to Israel
and volunteered with a group who helped victims of terrorism.She then miraculously survived a
suicide bus bombing with a broken clavical, burst ear drums, and multiple
burns.
She joined
with Jacob Kimchy, whose father was killed by a suicide bombing attack, to help
the surviving victims of terrorism across the globe to overcome long lasting
terror-induced psychological and physical trauma. They founded an organization called, One Heart Global.
Some of their projects include a summer camp for survivors and monthly support
group meetings in New York City.
"Second
Chance on the River" in Australia keeps offenders out of jail with cattle farm
alternative.
This pre-sentencing program is a first
in Australia and is trying to change the lives of young Aboriginal men in
trouble with the law.
According to the Brisbane Times article, written by Yuko Narushima, indigenous affairs correspondent,
"The goal is clear: to reverse the trend making
indigenous people 13 times as likely to be incarcerated as other Australians.
Substance abuse, of alcohol in particular, is the strongest factor in the
over-representation of Aboriginal men in jails."
"As well as learning how to budget and write job applications, elders teach
the men turtle diving, cooking around a stone campfire, Aboriginal art and how
to clean a porcupine. 'A lot of them don't even know how to skin a roo,' an
elder, Bob Caldwell, said."
Their image is being changed with the big hearts of this
motorcycle group.They are
encouraging a family atmosphere and community participation from all of their
members. From food drives at Thanksgiving to supplies at the schools, they are
creating goodwill and a giving purpose for their club.
Student with Non-Hodgkins from Indiana State leads through his giving back
example.
Diagnosed in 2008, cancer has taught J.D. Miller about strength, courage,
leadership, and giving back. Miller said.
"I had to make life changing
decisions and accept 'life is not fair' and 'you can't plan ahead'. I am not
happy to have cancer, but I am proud of the person I have become from it."
Miller has volunteered endless hours with Up 'til Dawn, a national
fundraising program which involves students and helps the children and families
of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Rizal Shahputra survived an extraordinary 9-day ordeal in
the 2004 tsunami.
He is making the
most of it in college at UCSI University in Cheras.
"I want to return to Aceh. I have been given another chance to live and I want to make good of it. I want to open a school and teach English there, " he said.
